Virtual surgery: no longer a question of ‘when?’

Could augmented reality (AR) be the next big thing within healthcare? Over the last few years, there has been a wave of startups in the field, focusing on everything from neuro-assistance for autistic people (Brain Power) to easier blood transfusions (AccuVein). Perhaps most excitingly, it could change the face of surgery, replacing many of the tools necessary today with a single, wearable piece of equipment.

The possibility first emerged in 2013, when Dr Rafael Grossman became the first person to use Google Glass during a surgical procedure. Since then, many new players have entered the field with a view to developing AR for the operating table.